Fujairah residents wait for renovation work on Corniche to commence

The Corniche is about four kilometres long and extends from the Hilton hotel to the Al Rugaylat roundabout. Some parts have few shaded seating areas and residents demand more.

Fujairah residents have demanded more shading along the 4km Corniche. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

FUJAIRAH // Residents are still waiting for renovation works to start on Fujairah Corniche after calls for more facilities at the waterfront were made some time ago.

The corniche is about four kilometres long and extends from the Hilton hotel to the Al Rugaylat roundabout.

Some parts have few shaded seating areas and residents have demanded more.

“My friends and I always take our foldable chairs with us before we go to the corniche,” said Ahmad Al Hayri, a 27-year-old Emirati. “There are few benches, but most people sit on the concrete breakwater wall.

“We heard a lot about the corniche upgrade but I don’t think it will happen any time soon.”

His friend, Mohammed Al Shahi, said that he sometimes drove to Khor Fakkan with his children to use the playgrounds near the beach.

“It’s a long way to drive but they enjoy it more,” he said.

One resident said the overhaul had been a long time coming.

“I read in the newspaper about the renovation a long time ago and we are still waiting for it to happen,” said Karan Malhi from India.

“I take my family to the corniche every other weekend. My kids love to go in the water, but my wife doesn’t allow them due to the lack of changing rooms, showers and lifeguards, so they play in the sand,” said Mr Malhi, 35.

Some residents visit the corniche for cycling or jogging but the lack of space and running tracks makes it challenging.

“I jog at the corniche three times a week,” said Fatima Ali, 24. “I enjoy the ocean view and I would appreciate it if they created a track. It would definitely be more encouraging for me and others to practise sports near the water.”

The municipality, along with the public works department, said that the corniche overhaul plan was part of Fujairah’s master plan for 2040.

“The waterfront will have more facilities that will serve all age groups, plus entertainment and leisure amenities,” said Mohammed Al Afkham, director general of Fujairah Municipality.

The two authorities are working together on upgrading the emirate’s road network and local parks. “We are planning to start with the corniche renovation after finalising our current projects,” said Mr Al Afkham.